The Irish standard., 1887-01-08
SuiI- Dhuv,,
THE COINER.
BY GERALD GRIFFIN,
Author of IS The Collegians." etc.
CHAPTER IV.-(Continued.)
Author of "The Collegians." etc.

Ing III SOuut COuiuolOu " oAics1 . "A1
over with me now, sir, have only the
one love and I desire no more.' This
was said in loud tone, evidently with
Che intention of being heard in the
next room. "Herself is listening to
u.s. he added in low voice, noddlng
his head aside towards the room door,
with knowing smile and wink. ''No,
Mr.. Kumba; but J. thought then, and
have often thought since, what hap
piness it would be to your tenants, and
to us all. 1t they could have sa1ch mis-
tress over 'en. What a delight it would
be If we could all meet that way once a
year before your own door, to see you
come out and join the dancers, with
that beautiful young lady locking arms
with you. And she'd be 81 treasure to
any man too, for, let alone her beauty,
there isn't better housekeeper in the
country, I hear
Kumba paused for some time, and
sighed in secret, while he ran over in
his mind the picture of rural happiness
which Spellacy had presented to it, and
which ne had often before, in days Of
prouder hope, loved to summon up and
contemplate, as the ideal OF his own
ambition.
ssIf there was possibility Of it's ac-
complishment, said he--"but why will
You yex me with those idle dreams?
Her father is det.d-and cannot recall
the pledge which he extorted from her
in dying. that she would never more
receive me into her confidence. Her
cold and formal mother is confirmed in
her hatred of me by the line Of conduct
which J. have pursued-1 nave not the
remotest hope of being able to tempt
her to disobedience. They want me TO
toll like Jacob for seven years, and to
prove myself true penitent J. am not
one OF those cold and patient spirl5s-I
cannot wait day after day to crafty g
humour thaS may change and deceive
me after all. They have made me des
perate, and [ had rather now risk all On
one bold cast, than throw up the tables
and repair nay losses by tar}y industry,
as they desire.
'sIf You are disposed that way, sir,
said Spellacy, with some hesitation,
stthere is one way left that would be
certain enough, [ think, but [ was loath
to propose it to you sts it is more violect
and dangerous than | believed would
please you.
81 shall like it the better" said Kum-
bs, "wllat is it?'
"It is too long now to talk Of, sir, but
l. you'll meet me this evening, late, say
about seven o'clock, at the Rath Oh the
hill above, Ill explain everything to
you, and We'll set about it as soon as
can be. Stop! Who is it that's knock
ipg?'
The interruption was occasioned by
the arrival Of the travellers, ana the tin
tinabulary application Of the handle Of
the old Palantine's whip to the plain un-
panelled door.
:sIravelers!" said Spellacy to himself,
after he had peeped through the win
dow; 'sa new decoy Of Awney Farrels,
I suppose Come away, out the back !
door, MIR. Kumba, for 'twould be as
we'll, may be, it You weren'r seen by
'en. Mrs. Spellacy, look to the door,
honey, and attend to the travellers. Mr..
Kumba, you won't forget seven O'Clock
ut the Rath.''
ssI']l be punctl1al," /" said zumba, as he
closed the door behind him.
Now" Spellacy continued, turning
with sudden energy to his wife, as she
made her appearance from the inner
room, s'you'll not forget our usual plan.
Those appear to be comfortable people,
and you know we are reduced to our last
shifts. You will see whittier they are
armed. aud take care to provide against
that mischief
sMore guilt" exclaimed the woman,
.nore blooa Oh, Mark, when will our
measure be completed?"
''Poh! no blood. FOOL exclaimed the
man. II wish to prevent it. Listen to
me. Do as desire you to do this one
night, and never again will ask you to
serve me in the same manner"
eff I could believe this--''
s'Here is my hand and word
81 have no choice but to take it, said
the woman. ''The time is gone by when
could have made one.''
"What do you say that for now? said
Spellacy, fercely. Didn't you know
who you were marrying when you came
with me?''
eyes, Mark but here she hesi-
tated, as If unwilling to hazard the
whole truth
.sOh, I understand you," said Spell
1oov sEVo1, 1idn,t know al1-vo11 didn't